Victory by Design - Lotus episode

Victory by Design - Lotus. Hosted by the late Alain de Cadenet.

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[robertrishel]

One of the very best automotive tv series ever produced, presented with absolute perfection. Alain DeCadenet is sorely missed….

[rustybearden]

Alain was the best automotive presenter ever - his dashing good looks and charm, his legit racing pedigree, his involvement in motorsports and well respected reputation as an expert in automotive design and history and perhaps most importantly, his marvelous speaking voice and style. He could read a phone book and make it interesting and compelling. This clip from his infamous "Victory By Design" automotive series is par for the course - actual examples of the historic vehicles driven robustly on scenic roadways (the main backdrop being the Goodwood Estate and grounds) lavishly illustrated with his brilliant monologues and cheeky, period correct helmets, goggles and gloves. It is a textbook primer and guide to the history of automotive design and racing. Each famous marque is explained in detail, punctuated with POV footage of Alain driving these priceless cars to within an inch of their existence, barking, gurgling, roaring and screeching, demonstrating in real time why they are important, iconic and legendary. My favorite episode is the Jaguar program - the rear view of him wringing the neck of an E Type Jag is just priceless. Wish someone would get them together and rebroadcast them in order and we could all enjoy them again. The Gentleman Badass - Alain De Cadenet!

[caribman]

I was lucky enough to do two pit walk-throughs at The Goodwood Revival with Alain deCadenet and all I can tell you is I'll never forget either one. His enthusiasm shown here was 100% genuine as was he. A great sportsman. All that with one eye!

[pripph]

Sadly enough, Mr. de Cadenet is no longer with us, He died in 2022. But what an enthusiast!

[richsfc]

I loved Victory by Design and Alain de Cadenet. They were magic!

[jimbrown]

can we all just take a moment to REALLY appreciate that speedvision used to be an ACTUAL thing? how lucky were we and didnt even know it. putting out this level of quality back then.

and lets all be even more stoked that we've had the pleasure to experience the MAGIC that is Alain De Cadenet. In my opinion, he is the true embodiment of automotive romance and passion. Nobody did it better. The absolute best.

[alexandresoares]

As a motorsport lover I am extremely impacted by the quality of this video! The narrator's simplicity, accuracy and clarity are unparalleled highlights! Congratulations!

[aeiouxs]

Alain De Cadenet - what an incredible presenter he was, such a clean, crisp, knowledgable and easy-going presentation style, shocked at his passing last year. Loved this really incredible look back through Lotus models, as an ex-Lotus Elise owner. Shame there are those who look down on Lotus as flimsy, unreliable, underperforming cars - when their ethos couldn't be purer and their motorsports pedigree inarguable. RIP Alain.

[pete]

Outstanding.
It saddens to think there’ll not be a program quite like this again. However, I am so happy that I found this posting.
Thank you!

[andrewthompson]

I so miss VBD and just listening to Alain talk. Nobody does it better IMO.

[Seekerofknowledges]

Thank you wholeheartedly for posting this. Is my fifth time here and it will not be my last.

[tejastiger]

I think SADC was a hero to a vast silent army of fans… I never could keep up, although wished to accompany him in all his automotive endeavors If only in my dreams .. He will live, drive on forever if only in our best memories …. Foot to the floor.. God bless him.

[chrispenn]

What a great video. The Lotus 72 is the epitome of GP cars - my favourite of all time.

[napoliansolo]

Loved this show. This was before Disney bought up all the channels on cable and turned them to crap. Thanks Disney.

[Hackenbaker]

Thanks Alan for this amazing footage! Rest in peace. Godspeed Alan. Grat pleasure have to meet you.

[andybroer]

RIP Alain de Cadenet great driver and presenter

[pobinr]

Nicely presented. And no silly music. Sorry to hear he's passed, RIP

[sergioleone]

Thanks for posting this! I have the original six on DVD (ordered after seeing on SpeedTV), and have also seen the Ford episode. I hadn't seen this Lotus one yet, so it is a special treat!

[scottscottsdale]

I loved watching all of these episodes about 15 years ago. I am gutted he passed.

[JeffW]

This is really wonderful. I remember a magazine article (Road & Track probably) about a restored Lotus 11 street car. The 1965 Lotus-Ford with Jim Clark was truly eye-popping and changed Indy racing forever. If I understand correctly, Rolla Vollstedt from Portland, Oregon built the first rear engine Indy car with an Offenhauser engine. In mid-60s, Mr. Vollstedt lived up the road--we sometimes saw his Indy car in his carport.